Judge set to hear lawsuit on firefighter layoffs on Tuesday

Washoe District Judge Lidia Stiglich will hear arguments Tuesday on a lawsuit seeking to halt the city of Reno's plans to layoff 33 firefighters on July 1.

The 33 firefighters and the union that represents them, Local 731, are seeking a temporary restraining order to block the layoffs. They argue the city can only implement layoffs if it can demonstrate either a lack of work or a lack of funds.

The firefighters argue the city can divert money from other projects to preserve the jobs, which are necessary to provide adequate public safety. The city will be down to 1977 staffing levels and will be forced to close three fire stations as a result of the layoffs.

The city argues the layoffs are necessary after losing a federal grant that had paid for their positions.

The city's Las Vegas-based labor attorney filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. He argues the court has no jurisdiction to tell the Council how to budget the city's money. He also argued that the firefighters have not exhausted their avenues to resolve contract disputes, including the grievance and arbitration processes.